# Ryan Kircher | Metal Additive Manufacturing

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2022-11-11
- Length: 44m
- Episode: 43
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing
- Listen: https://teampipeline.us/ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing/

## Summary

Ryan Kircher, a metallurgical engineer and founder of Kircher Consulting, discusses the state of metal additive manufacturing, contrasting powder bed fusion with directed energy deposition and highlighting applications in medical devices and aerospace. He details the technical challenges of metal 3D printing, including high costs, long build times, support structure removal, and the necessity of post-processing like CNC machining. Kircher also reflects on his career path, explaining why he chose to remain an individual contributor rather than move into management, and shares insights on running a consulting business alongside full-time employment at RMS Company.

## Chapters

- [1:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=63) Introduction to Metal Additive Manufacturing Technologies
- [3:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=212) Ryan Kircher's Education at Colorado School of Mines
- [7:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=443) Powder Bed Fusion vs. Directed Energy Deposition Processes
- [11:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=695) Limitations: Cost, Time, and Support Structure Removal
- [13:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=831) Applications: Injection Molding Tools and Medical Implants
- [18:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=1115) Designing for Metal Additive: Supports and Thermal Stresses
- [24:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=1443) Material Purity, Shielding Gases, and Machine Specifications
- [31:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=1912) Running Kircher Consulting and Working at RMS Company
- [36:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2022-11-11-ryan-kircher-metal-additive-manufacturing#t=2162) Career Advice: Individual Contributor vs. Management Roles

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Kircher Consulting (company)
- RMS Company (company)
- Lockheed Martin (company)
- Colorado School of Mines (other)
- Directed Energy Deposition (other)
- Powder Bed Fusion (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [A Space Roundtable with NASA, Rocket Lab, The European Space Agency, and TRUMPF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2024-04-02-a-space-roundtable-with-nasa-rocket-lab-the-european-space-agency-and-trumpf) (Additive Snack)
- [The Arrival of High-Volume Metal Additive Manufacturing w/ James DeMuth](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-04-07-the-arrival-of-high-volume-metal-additive-manufacturing-w-james-demuth) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Additive Manufacturing on the Shop Floor: Hype, Reality, and Where It Actually Works, Ep #37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-27-additive-manufacturing-on-the-shop-floor-hype-reality-and-where-it-actually-work) (Lights Out)
- [Following Your Passion in 3D Printing with Greg Paulsen](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-01-26-following-your-passion-in-3d-printing-with-greg-paulsen) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [The Digital Warehouse: A Look Inside Additive Manufacturing w/ Melanie Lang](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-03-01-the-digital-warehouse-a-look-inside-additive-manufacturing-w-melanie-lang) (The Manufacturing Executive)

## Citing this page

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